WSTA ‘deepy frustrated’ by Brexit deadlock

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association is “deeply frustrated” after Brexit talks on the EU withdrawal bill were postponed, calling the deadlock a “setback” for the UK drinks industry.

The WSTA is ‘deeply frustrated’ by Brexit talks deadlock

The EU’s chief negotiator Michael Barnier has said that there has not been enough progress to move to the next stage of Brexit talks in the UK following the fifth round of talks in Brussels yesterday.

According to the WSTA, the wine and spirit trade with the EU is worth almost £4.5 billion to the UK. In 2016 the UK traded £2.2 billion of spirits with the EU and almost £2.3 billion in wine.

The continued flow of goods after the UK leaves the EU is “vital” for the wine and spirit industry, which is worth over £50 billion in economic activity and supports over half a million jobs.

“Today’s news from Brussels is deeply frustrating. It simply isn’t good enough that Brexit talks are still in deadlock,” said Miles Beale, chief executive of the WSTA.

“Politicians from both sides of the channel simply have to knuckle down and make progress. Brexit cannot falter on ideology and dogma and must instead focus on finding solutions that are mutually beneficial. That inevitably means compromise – on both sides. A failed negotiation would be a disaster for UK and EU business and citizens alike.”